The Not-So-Green Reality of Compostable Plastics

Compostable plastics are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for eco-conscious businesses and consumers, promising to provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. From Trader Joe’s to Taco Bell, many companies have adopted these green-hued or “COMPOSTABLE” embossed utensils. But how green are these compostable plastics?

Source: NowThis Earth/YouTube

The crux of the issue lies in their disposal. Though compostable plastics may feel like a step in the right direction, they require specific conditions to break down. These conditions are typically only found in commercial composting facilities, which are scarce across the country. The result? Most of these supposedly eco-friendly items end up in the trash, just like regular plastic.

In essence, compostable plastics, which are typically derived from plant sugars such as corn starch, hold the potential to be better than traditional plastics. If composted correctly, they could return to the earth over time, unlike regular plastics which persist indefinitely in our environment. However, without the right infrastructure, these products are merely ending up in landfills, often failing to decompose for over a century. Even worse, some can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Aware of these limitations, some companies are cautious about how they talk about their use of compostable packaging. While these products may lessen the guilt of single-use items, the reality is that compostable plastic is still plastic, especially when it’s not disposed of properly.

But not all hope is lost. Some products, certified by organizations like the Biodegradable Products Institute, have better compostability than others. Ultimately, the key lies in bolstering our composting infrastructure, investing in research to improve compostable plastics, and adopting truly sustainable practices like using reusables. After all, a clean metal fork may be a far greener choice than any compostable alternative. So next time, think twice before opting for that green plastic fork because sometimes, green is just a color.

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• New York Becomes Sixth State to Approve Composting of Human Bodies
• California Legalizes Green End-of-Life Alternative: Human Composting
• 7 Things That Make Compost Awesome

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